Social Sciences

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• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology

Shaheen S. Munir, Chair

Criminology/Criminal Justice

Concentration within sociology major beginning Fall 2015.

Political Science

Bret L. Billet; Andrew A. Szarejko

The political science program, part of the Social Sciences Department, believes that knowledge of political science is a requisite for responsible citizenship and a necessity for anyone expecting to enter a career in law, public administration, law enforcement, civil service, or teaching.

Unique features of the program include American Legislature and Judiciary, a May Term course that offers study of national government for several days on location in Washington, D.C. An international political intern program with the German parliament, Deutsche Bundestag, is supervised by an arrangement with the University of Bonn in Germany.

Intended Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. demonstrate a command of the discipline’s central theories, concepts, and contested issues along with a basic understanding of the methodological approaches within the core content areas of political science.
2. cultivate the capacity to distinguish between the normative heritage of political science and the practices of empirical political science while also demonstrating awareness of how the two traditions merge to form a dynamic, value-centric interaction in practice.
3. develop, through application, the ability to formulate, undertake, and communicate clearly the results of independent and collaborative research.
4. promote responsible citizenship by fostering the ability to think and act critically while communicating in a civil manner about public policy issues.

Department Recommendations

Students planning graduate work in political science are advised to complete a foreign language through the intermediate level, PS 321 Research Methods and Data Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences , and PS 421 Advanced Research Methods and Data Analysis .

Programs

• Political Science, B.A.  

• Political Science Minor    

Psychology

Andrea N. Eslick, Shaheen S. Munir, Todd C. Reiher

The psychology program, part of the Social Sciences Department, approaches psychology as an academic discipline, a profession, and a science. Faculty present the field of psychology as one that is diverse and exciting. All faculty members hold a Ph.D. degree in a specialized area of psychology and actively pursue professional and research interests. Students can collaborate with faculty members on a variety of projects and programs. Students may work with professional service providers in an off-campus field experience, gaining job-relevant skills and knowledge in a clinical, educational, or human services setting.

Intended Student Learning Outcomes

Psychology Major

Students will:

1. demonstrate command, application, and integration of theory, concepts, and methods in the core content areas of psychology (cognitive, developmental, abnormal, biological, and social psychology).
2. use critical thinking skills in evaluating psychological theory, research, and practice and apply accepted methods and principles of research in developing, conducting, and reporting an original psychology research project.
3. understand and evaluate the role of psychology as a science and practice aimed at improving human welfare and understand the professional/ethical responsibilities that accompany this role.
4. communicate written and oral information effectively in accordance with professional and scholarly standards.
5. demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between individuals and cultural contexts surrounding individuals.

Department Recommendations

Students majoring in psychology benefit from a concentration of courses in one or more related disciplines, such as business, computer science, economics, philosophy, political science, social work, or community sociology. A course sequence fitting students’ career objectives should be planned in consultation with a psychology faculty member.

Programs

• Psychology, B.A.  

• Psychology Minor  

Sociology

Brian McQueen, Daniel R. Sundblad

The discipline of sociology is the social scientific study of human groups and societies. The sociology major at Wartburg College focuses on developing conceptual and practical knowledge and skills in the discipline of sociology. Two concentrations in the program, general sociology and criminology/criminal justice, allow students to focus their individual programs of study on inequalities, deviance, or both. The sociology major offers multiple opportunities for field research, domestic and international travel, service learning opportunities, and internships to demonstrate and understand the relevance of sociology through experiential learning. The program also offers many opportunities to collaborate with faculty in various research projects and programs. The general sociology concentration prepares students for success in a diverse range of careers in both public and private sectors and continued education toward a postgraduate degree. The criminology/criminal justice concentration prepares students for success in further education and training, and to take leadership roles in a wide variety of careers in the criminal justice system and the helping professions.

Intended Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. use critical thinking to examine and evaluate a wide range of social phenomenon and organizations.
2. demonstrate command of theory, methods, and empirical examinations of society in a manner that furthers the discipline of sociology.
3. demonstrate effective oral and/or written communication skills consistent with the professional expectations of the discipline.
4. demonstrate a deep understanding of the social, historical, political, and economic contexts of human groups, organizations, and interactions.
5. demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, professional responsibilities, and ethical sensibilities in research and applied work.

Programs

• Sociology, B.A.  

• Sociology Minor  

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